Feedlot and Carcass Performance of Angus-, Brangus-, Gelbvieh-, and Gelbray-Sired Crossbred Steers

© 2000 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Feedlot and carcass traits were evaluated for steers (n = 231) sired by Angus (A), Brangus (BA), Gelbvieh (G), and Gelbray (GB) bulls (n = 29) out of first cross (F1) Brahman-Hereford cows. Steers were produced over 4 y and were born during spring and fall calving seasons. Brahman inheritance was 25% in A- and G-sired steers, and 44% in BA- and GB-sired steers. After weaning, steers were stockered before entering the feedlot. Steers produced in 1993 and 1994 were fed in Louisiana and individually harvested at a targeted backfat thickness of 10 mm. Steers born in 1995 and 1996 were fed in Oklahoma and group harvested at an average backfat thickness of 10 mm. Data were analyzed separately by feedlot location because of significant location and sire breed x location effects. Angus-sired steers had smaller (P\u3c0.05) longissimus areas (LMA) and higher (P\u3c0.01) marbling scores(MS) and quality grades than G-sired steers across both locations. Tenderness was more desirable (P\u3c0.05) for A-sired steers compared with G-sired steers when fed in Louisiana. Angus- and G-sired steers had larger (P\u3c0.01) LMA than BA- and GB-sired steers across both locations. Tenderness was similar (P\u3e0.10) between steers with 25% and 44% Brahman inheritance. These data suggest that more desirable carcass quality and tenderness can be achieved with the use of A sires, relative to the other sire breeds, when mated to F1 Brahman-Hereford dams. Improved carcass cutability resulted with the use of G sires, and in steers with 25% Brahman inheritance